Tuesday, January 30, 2007

"Closing Words" Revelation 22:12-21

(These are the brief notes from Bible study on Sunday evening January 28.)


For review:
1. Primarily, the Revelation is a book of worship, comfort, and encouragement.
2. From the letters to the seven churches, we are reminded that every church has specific strengths and weaknesses, unique blessings and challenges.
3. Trials and tribulations much like those from the era in which the Revelation was written have occured at various times in history and will likely occur again in the future.
4. God is the only unchanging presence or factor in the drama. Seasons change. Circumstances come and go. The character and mission of God is steadfast and dependable.

Outline:
1. The testimony: Jesus is the root of David, a messianic reference, and the Bright and Morning Star. God is described as Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. v. 16
2. The invitation: The Spirit and the bride, that is, the church, give the invitation, "Let whoever is willing come and take of the water of life freely." v.17
3. The warning: The warning for adding or taking away from these words is that you will encounter the plagues listed therein. v.18
4. The promise: "I am coming soon." Soon is a relative term but certainly indicates an affirmative promise. It could be a specific term referring to Jesus receiving a believer immediately at the time of death, and/or a reference to Jesus returning to retrieve believers at a future point. v.20
5. The benediction: The grace of God be with God’s people. v. 21

Be assured that your circumstances in life may change several times but God's grace will be with you in all seasons.

7th Heaven Revelation 21:1-8,15-28

(The following is the powerpoint outline of the sermon from Sunday January 28.)

Ultimately John catches a glimpse of the new world God has created, an existence where God’s community is complete.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
-Revelation 21:3-4 NIV

1. In heaven, God’s people live in perfect harmony and community with God and each other.

2. In heaven, pain and tears and death are conspicuously absent.

3. The architecture and landscape are presented as permanent and abundant.

4. All whose names are in the book for life have an eternal address in heaven.


The invitation is still open. It echos the ministry of Jesus who said, “I will give you water to drink and you will never thirst again.” The Revelation concludes with this invitation: The Spirit says “come” and the bride says “come;” let whosoever will come and take of the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17 (paraphrase)

Live your life, your ordinary life in this world, in tune with God and God’s purpose so that you are fully prepared for the world to come.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Smile and Get Ready to ROC!

Smile when you have your portrait made for our new Church Directory. Pictorial albums promote fellowship, provide resourceful information, and preserve an important segment of church history. We want every participant in our First Baptist Family to be included in our new directory.

In recent weeks the ROC has been at a standstill as our contractors and architects have been busy with permitting and re-pricing. As many of us have anticipated, with rising cost of materials, our budget for the Paul Royal Recreation and Outreach Center will need to be increased significantly. In our next church conference on Wednesday January 31, we will hear the most recent numbers as we have an opportunity to consider a new budget. Once a new budget is affirmed, the construction phase is ready to begin.

In the next few weeks, you should be contacted by your new family deacon. According to Kemp Wilson, our new Deacon Family Ministry coordinator, 80% of our deacons have just received their new assignments for 2007 and the remainder of our deacons will receive their assignments during the next couple of weeks. Among many other ministries, your family deacon will be praying for you.

We encourage all members of committees and ministry teams to participate in our Leadership Workshop which is scheduled for this Sunday January 28 at 5 o’clock in Chipley Hall. Our workshop will provide an orientation to committee structures and assignments for 2007.

Our Winter Bible Study, Rediscovering the Revelation, continues this Sunday as we focus on “7th Heaven” as described in Revelation 21. On Sunday evening at six o’clock we will meet in the sanctuary for Bible study and baptism.

Invite a friend or neighbor to join you this Sunday.

Monday, January 22, 2007

The Characters of Evil in the Revelation

(This is an outline of the Bible study from Sunday evening, January 21, 2007.)

This evening we hope to address some important symbols: the beast(s), false prophet, and the great prostiture. If we have time, we will address the notions of Jezebel, anti-Christ and the lake of fire.

Next week we will meet in the sanctuary for a summary of the Revelation and for baptism.

In review:
1. Apocalypse: The word translated Revelation is apokalupsis, which literally means a drawing aside of the veil to disclose some hidden sight. It is like the opening of the curtain on some drama, but the drama in question is not a man-made play but God-made history. –Wm. Barclay
2. Letters to the churches: Record of epistles to seven of the 12-15 churches in Asia are included in this book.
3. Groups of seven: Symbols such as the letters, plagues, seals, scrolls, etc., are rendered in groups of seven.
4. Other characters: The stars or angels are messengers; the lampstands are the churches or the testimony of the churches; the lamb is Christ.

Introduction:
Nature of evil: Systemic
Method of evil: Deceit and Manipulation
Future of evil: Eliminated

Outline:
1. Beast: (Revelation 13:13-18) Represents systemic evil in an unjust government or economy, an economy based on religious discrimination.

2. False prophet: (Rev 19:20) Represents systemic evil in an unfaithful religion. The false prophet works in tandem with the beast. Historically, close alliances between church and state have proven corruptive to both. This is yet another reason Baptists have contended for separation of church and state.

3. The great prostitute or harlot: (Rev 17:1-2) Represents systemic evil in a culture or human collective. Referred to like the culture of Babylon, this represents a collective human movement that is the antithesis of the bride of Christ.

4. AntiChrist: Supposedly represents any person or system that aggressively opposes Christianity.

5. Lake of fire: This is a dramatic reference to the torment of unbelievers and evildoers.
John seems to indicate that persecutors can burn you at the stake but in the end, they will end up in the lake of fire. The image of a lake of fire is in direct contrast to the river of life. (For further study I recommend Harold Bryson’s book, Yes, Virginia, There Is a Hell, which is also published under the title, The Christian Doctrine of Hell.)

Closing remarks:
Work for social and economic justice in Jesus’ name.
Avoid supposing that religious groups different from you are false.
Because we do not know when the end will come, make everyday count.

Preparing for the Ultimate Audit Revelation 20:11-15

(This is the powerpoint outline for Sunday morning, January 21, 2007.)

John vision in the Revelation includes a scene of final judgment where personal records from human lives are opened for God to audit.

And then I saw all the dead, great and small, standing there—before the Throne! And books were opened. Then another book was opened: the Book of Life. The dead were judged by what was written in the books, by the way they had lived.
-Revelation 20:12 TM

1. Every human being from every age is accountable to God.

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
-Hebrews 9:27-28 NIV

My greatest thought is my accountability to God. Daniel Webster

2. In final judgment the books or records of life are opened for audit.

3. God is the divine auditor.

4. Jesus balances the books of his followers.
We are not capable of being good enough to deserve the life God has prepared. Christ becomes the great equalizer and redeemer who forgives our sins and invites us to embrace God's way of life and ultimately God's new world.

How do you prepare for the divine audit?
1) Confess your sins and receive God’s forgiveness.
2) Make right any outstanding trespasses or debts.
3) Align your life with teachings and mission of Christ.

The most worthy use of our time and resources this side of heaven is to be engaged in the mission of God in the world.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

How Do You Prepare for an Audit?

Last weekend, an energetic and enthusiastic crew insured that our Habitat Project got off to a great start. This Saturday presents another opportunity to work on our Habitat House. Every member of our church family can play an important role by praying, by preparing food, or by participating in on site construction.

In cooperation with the Northwest Florida Blood Center, our First Baptist family is hosting a Winter Blood Drive on Sunday January 21. Over 50 donors have signed up already. If your health history qualifies you to contribute, please consider becoming a donor. Your contribution could save more than one life.

We are looking forward to the publication of our new Church Pictorial Directory. Pictorial albums promote fellowship, provide resourceful information, and preserve an important segment of church history. Be sure to make an appointment for you and your family to have your portrait made. Our new directories should be available by Mother’s Day.

Our Winter Bible Study, Rediscovering the Revelation, has been probing, encouraging, and extremely well-attended. This Sunday morning we think about “Preparing for the Ultimate Audit” as we focus on Revelation 20:11-15.

Invite a friend to join you for worship and Bible study this week.

Letters to Smyrna and Pergamum


( The following is an outline of notes from the Bible study on the evening of January 17, 2007.)

Review:

Remember that each letter is to a church with a unique context, each having specific strengths and weaknesses. These churches were challenged to make course corrections and believers were challenged toward endurance. Generally, the letters follow the pattern of rebuke, invitation, affirmation, promise.

Part One: Letter to Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11


1. Location: Located approximately 40 miles due north of Ephesus, Smyrna is considered one of the most beautiful and wealthiest cities in Asia, Smyrna was home to magnificent temples built to the Greek deities Apollo, Aphrodite, and Zeus. Smyrna was the hometown of Homer. Touted as a city that was entirely loyal to Rome, Cicero notes in that Smyrna was always faithful to their treaties and alliances. Some believe that the city is among the first to practice emperor worship. Ironically or providentially, scholars believe Smyrna is the oldest continual Christian witness in the church.
2. Rebuke: There is no harsh rebuke. There is a gentle reprimand for them not to feel inferior in the face of Greek culture. You (the church) think of yourself as poor, but you are rich in Christ.
3. Invitation: “Do not fear…be faithful unto death.” (Note the biography of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who courageously made a public affirmation of faith which led to his execution).
4. Affirmation: “The crown of life is yours.” This is a reminder is that the reward of faithful endurance is to experience life, eternally, as God intended.
5. Promise: You are secure from the second death. “Second death” is a rabbinic phrase used only in Revelation. The second death refers to separation from the eternal life prepared in Christ. It is specifically referenced in this drama as a casting into the lake of fire.

Part Two: Letter to Pergamum Revelation 2:12-17

1. Location: Located 45 miles north of Smyrna, Pergamum was the ancient capital of Asia. It was a cultural center that exceeded both Ephesus and Smyrna. A library, second in size only to the one in Alexandria, Egypt was located in Pergamum. The library contained over 200,000 volumes, remarkable in a world where books were written and copied by hand. Noted for Caesar worship, the city had a temple built 30 years before Christ, dedicated to the deity of Caesar Augustus. The term, “Satan’s temple” in v. 13 could refer to Caesar’s temple or to the statue to Zeus, a statue 20 feet high and 90 feet wide.
2. Rebuke: You have tolerated some who are like Balaam, stumblingblocks who lead others into idolatry or sexual immorality, and you have those among you who follow the Nicolaitans, trying to separate soul and body, or belief and action.
3. Invitation: Repent! Cease your toleration of these who advocate acts of idolatry. Don’t give room for these errant beliefs that accommodate a lustful lifestyle.
4. Affirmation: I know your name (reputation) and that you have remained true (or faithful) in spite of the severe persecution, even the death of Antipas (an early martyr).
5. Promise: I will give to you hidden manna…bread from heaven…the bread of life. You do not need to eat bread offered to idols. (There was a notion that manna would fall from heaven during the messianic age.) I will give you a white stone with a new or secret name. White stones were symbols of hospitality and friendship, signs of God’s favor and blessing. God gave a new name to represent the strengthening or the transformation of character.

Concluding remarks:
Each church is challenged to be faithful in seasons of prosperity and adversity.
All Christian churches are to encourage and demonstrate strong moral values.
Listen for the voice of the spirit speaking to us as a church, not just me as an individual.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

The Seals, The Bowls, The Remnant

(The following is a copy of the notes which guided our discussion in Bible study on Sunday evening, January 14.)

This evening we hope to address some important symbols: Remnant, vials, and seals.
Next week we will deal with the terms Jezebel, beast, and antichrist.

In review:
1. Apocalypse: The word translated Revelation is apokalupsis, which literally means a drawing aside of the veil to disclose some hidden sight. It is like the opening of the curtain on some drama, but the drama in question is not a man-made play but God-made history. –Wm. Barclay

2. Place in canon: The main objection to the Revelation has always been on the ground of its unintelligibility. The Apocalypse, said Jerome, has "as many mysteries as words" (Letters 53:9) A despairing scholar said that the study of the Revelation either finds a man mad or leaves him so. H. B. Swete relates how he heard Benson tell of the answer of an intelligent reader to the question, "What is the form the book presents to you?" The answer was, "It is chaos". The result is that in modern times the Revelation has either been completely neglected, or it has become the playground of the religious eccentrics in their attempts to draw out time schedules of the last days. -Wm. Barclay, Many Witnesses

3. Symbolism and fantasy: Its images and symbols are forms of fantasy rather than reality, and its language is cryptic, metaphorical, and highly symbolic. These symbols are not drawn from our modern world, but from the language, experience, and cultural "pool" of the ancient world. The assumptions that underlie those symbols are likewise not those of a modern scientific world view of the 21st century Western world, but those of the Ancient Near East of 2,000 years ago. Strange multiheaded beasts, weird creatures, dragons, and odd combinations of normal images (locusts with scorpion’s tails and human heads) are common ways of writing. It purposely presents a world that does not exist except as a means of communication.

4. Cosmology: According to Dr. Robbins, “we struggle between in the movement between the earthly sphere and heavenly sphere. Because of our cosmology, we think of heaven as up. So when the writer goes to heaven, we think that he must go up and leave the earth. John was a prophet and to him spiritual reality is applicable at any time, at all times. Heaven is not just a place. It is also a condition- where God is. Heaven is not limited by time and space.”

Outline:
1. Seals: Rev 6:1 – 8:1 The seals are signposts, a way of marking significant events. The opening of the seals indicates the issuing of divine judgment. These are historical-prophetical events. They happened in history and they will happen any time when circumstances are the same or similar.

2. Vials or bowls: In Revelation 5:8 there is a mention of the bowls or vials.
a. The KJV calls it a bowl of odours or fragrances which is the prayers of the saints. Not one prayer has escaped God’s notice.
b. There is no prayer that we have prayed to God which is wasted. No prayer is unheard, no tear is unnoticed.

3. Remnant: Revelation 7:1-8
a. This passage is commonly called the first interlude, an explanation between the sixth and seventh seal.
b. Who are those who are sealed? What does it mean “chosen people”? Are these persons Jews, in the literal sense?
c. Those have seals on there foreheads being the most conspicuous and noticeable place. Also indicates a place visible on men, women, and children. (Note that the mark of the traitor is also on forehead.)
d. According to Dr. Robbins, 1000 is usually used to denote a large and complete number. Twelve is the number of the church. There are twelve tribes and twelve disciples or apostles. This square of 12 multiplied by 1000 is typical of a large perfect number. It suggests totality, completeness, or fullness as well as diversity within an essential unity. The 144,000 stands in the vision for God’s elect, the entire congregation of the redeemed on earth during the end time. It is an ideal number denoting that the group is complete, yet unlimited. Not one was missing. The twelve tribes symbolizes the true Israel which is made up of all peoples, nations, and languages.
e. Interpretation:
1) To us the number may seem limited, but to them, it was a large number like 7 times 70.
2) You are not alone. That is John’s primary communication.
3) Every single person who was faithful to Christ made it to the new realm, the new dimension with God.

Summary remarks:
The book is written to strengthen the church, the entire body of believers, and not just private members of the body.
The purpose is to encourage those who are experiencing trials, tribulation, or persecution, especially the temptation to forsake or recant the faith.
The eternal perspective we glean from John’s words changes the way we perceive our current reality, especially our temporary circumstances.

An Outline of the Revelation

(The following outline was adapted from an earlier version published by Fortress Press in 1983.)

I. The Prologue (1:1-8)
II. The Prophetic Call (1:9-20)
III. The Letters to the Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
IV. The Visions (4:1-22:5)
A. The Heavenly Court: The Glory of God and the Lamb, 4:1-5:14
B. The Seven Seals: Judgment on Sin, 6:1-8:1
C. The Seven Trumpets: God Calls to Repentance, 8:2-11:14
D. The Seven Visions of Conflict: The Establishment of God’s Kingdom, 11:15-13:8
1. The woman with child: the birth of Jesus, 12:1-2
2. The great red dragon: the enemy of Peace, 12:3-6
3. The war in heaven: the Cross, 12:7-12
4. The dragon, the woman, and her children: the struggle of God’s people, 12:13-17
5. The seven-headed beast from the sea: the power of Rome, 13:1-4
6. The war against the saints: persecutions, 13:5-10
7. The beast and his mark: corruption of the emperor and the dragon’s agents, 13:11-18
E. The Seven Visions of Mt. Zion: Assurance to God’s people, 14:1-20
F. The Seven Bowls of the Wrath of God: Security Amid Turmoil, 15:1-16:21
G. The Seven Visions of the Fall of Babylon: End of the Evil Empire, 17:1-19:10
H. The Seven Visions of Recompense: Celebration of Victory, 19:11-21:5a
I. The Holy City: Kingdom of God in a New Heaven and New Earth, 21:5b-22:5
V. The Epilogue (22:6-21)

Four Creatures You Won't See at the Zoo Revelation 4:1-11

(The following is the powerpoint outline from Sunday morning January 14.)

As John experiences a mysterious vision of cosmic worship, he learns that all of creation reflects the mystery and majesty of God.

1. The holiness of God is recognized: The holiness of God is known by all creation.

2. The harmony of the creation is restored: The harmonious response of creation and elders highlights the new rhythm of the new world.

3. Honor toward God is the only appropriate response: Genuine worship can inspire a worshiper to empty self of honor in order to honor God.

A human in the presence of God is going to feel one of two ways. Either you feel like a small, dirty object, or you lose thought of yourself altogether. The latter is by far preferable.
-C.S. Lewis

The God of past, present, and future is worthy of your passionate devotion and your faithful worship.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Letters to the Seven Churches: Ephesus

(These are notes from Bible study on January 10, 2007)

General introduction to the seven letters:
1. The angels or stars are the messengers and the lampstands are the churches.

2. The Revelation includes letters to seven churches, although scripture mentions five more churches.

3. Each church was unique with specific strengths and weaknesses.

4. Churches were challenged to make course corrections and believers were challenged to endure.


5. The letters follow the pattern of rebuke, invitation, affirmation, promise.


The Letter to Ephesus:

1. The first letter is to the church at Ephesus, a cultural center in the Roman empire.

2. The rebuke is your “you have lost your first love.”

3. The invitation is to "repent and return."

4. The affirmation is “you hate the lifestyle of the Nicolaitans.”

5. The promise is “to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life.”

Re-Discovering the Revelation: An Introduction

(These are notes from the Sunday evening Bible study on January 7, 2007)

As we begin our Winter Bible Study in the Revelation, I suggest that you approach this study by doing three things:
1) Read the book in its entirety in at least two translations.
2) Think about these texts in dream language. Martin Martin reminds us that the Revelation is one of two or three books in the Bibles that calls itself a dream or a vision. Remarkable, many Christians interpret this dream book more literally than the non-dream books. “Try interpreting your dreams and you’ll see why people expound weird ideas on this book.”
3) Listen for what the Spirit is saying to us, collectively. Do not privatize the message as if it is only meant for you. Throughout the book, John urges, “Hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

Among all of the source materials I will reference, I will rely heavily on these works to guide my study and preparation:

The Revelation, a commentary by Dr. Mitchell Reddish, chair of Religious Studies at Stetson University.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, by Dr. Ray Frank Robbins, past Professor of New Testament at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Making Sense of the Revelation, by Dr. William Turner, retired pastor of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and currently Professor of Homiletics at Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky.

Introductory notes:
1. The Revelation is primarily a book of worship, comfort, and encouragement. The book is intended to offer strength and challenge to Christians in seasons of trial and tribulation. To use the book simply to strike fear is outside the original purpose and is a misuse of John’s visioni.
2. The author is John, often called the Revelator. While there is speculation as to whether this could be John the Apostle or John the Elder, our purposes of study are served to refer to the author as John.
3. The date of the writing is usually considered to be near the end of Domitian’s reign, perhaps around 95 AD.
4. The location is Patmos, a small Mediterranean Island located about 37 miles from Miletus. The island served as a penal colony. It is believed that John could have been banished there during the persecution, was later pardoned, and that he remained on the island during the time of writing.
5. The occasion of the writing is the persecution of the church during the reign of Domitian. This persecution was not a purge of Christians, as much as it was a punitive era against Christians who refused to worship the emperor.
6. The literature genre is apocalyptic. Apocalypse means the “revealing” or the “unveiling.” Apocalyptic literature may include prose, poetry, drama, epistle, and doxology.
7. The theme calls for believers to be faithful and persevere. Failure to recant one’s profession of faith could lead to execution but John encourages the believers to persevere, to endure, and to immerse themselves in their future with Christ.
8. The theology type is eschatology, or future hope in light of the consummation of all things.
9. There are four primary views or interpretations:
1) Preterist- interprets all events in the Revelation as historical.
2) Historical- interprets some events as historical, some as present, and some as futuristic
3) Futuristic- interprets events in Revelation as occurring in future dispensations
4) Symbolic- understands the stories of Revelation as only having symbolic or spiritual application
10. The Revelation is the 27th and final book in the New Testament canon.

Revelation 1:1-8 The Witness

1. The Revelation is the only book that promises a blessing to those who take the time to read it. Likewise, it is the only book that threatens a curse on anyone “who adds or takes away” from this message.
2. The Revelation refers to Jesus as “the faithful witness,” “the one who is, who was, and who is to come.”
3. The opening to the letter includes a greeting (v. 4-5a) and doxology (v.7). A doxology is an interjection or acclamation of praise.

On Wednesday evening, we will begin our investigation of the letters to the seven churches.

A Hammer, A Pint, and A Portrait

Get your hammers ready! Give a pint of blood! Make an appointment for your portrait!

This month our First Baptist Family begins building another Habitat House. Under the capable direction of project leader Kemp Wilson, work teams of all ages will gather to frame and finish a house that will become a much needed home for a Pensacola family. Every member of our church family can play an important role by praying, by preparing food, or by working at the construction site.

Also in January you have another opportunity to donate blood. In cooperation with the Northwest Florida Blood Center, we are hosting a Winter Blood Drive on January 21. If your health history qualifies you to contribute, please consider becoming a donor. Your contribution could save a life.

We are now making February appointments for Church Pictorial Directory portraits. A Church Pictorial Directory promotes fellowship, provides resourceful information, and preserves an important segment of church history. Every participant in our First Baptist Family is encouraged to have a portrait made. The new directories should be available by Mother’s Day.

This Sunday we continue Rediscovering the Revelation as we think about “Four Creatures You Won’t See at the Zoo.”

Invite a friend to join you for worship and Bible study this week.

When Worship Comes to Life

(This is a summary of the message from January 7, 2007.)

Like John’s experience on a Sunday on the Mediterranean isle of Patmos, worship can come alive with passion and clarity within you.

What do you think of when you think of the Revelation? The four horsemen of the apocalypse, the deceit of Jezebel, the seven bowls of wrath, the mark of the beast, the lake of fire, or the judgment seat of Christ. I hope after this month of study, when you think of the Revelation, you will think of the faithful witness, the Alpha and Omega, the vials of tears, the equitable and eternal judgment of God, and the New Jerusalem.

Written at the height of Christian persecution, the Revelation is a record of a vision by John on the isle of Patmos. Reminding us of the historical context of Revelation, Dr. Bill Turner reminds us that, "In a world of hostile misunderstandings and adverse circumstances, these believers were building their lives on something much deeper and stronger. They had found someone who could see them through the worst of life and death."

1. When worship comes to life, you hear the voice of God.

"It was Sunday and I was in the Spirit, praying. I heard a loud voice behind me, trumpet-clear and piercing." Rev 1:10 TM

2. When worship comes to life, God speaks to the mind and the emotions.

3. When worship comes to life, the primary focus is on Jesus.

"Glory and strength to Christ, who loves us,
who blood-washed our sins from our lives,
Who made us a Kingdom, Priests for his Father,
forever—and yes, he's on his way!" Revelation 1:6 TM

Worship should not be measured on how much worship reinforces your presuppositions but how it realigns your life with the teachings and mission of Jesus.

4. When worship comes to life, our energy is channeled into the mission of the church.

When you truly begin following Jesus, you become passionate about the mission of the church. Worship doesn’t lead you to go out and privatize your Christian faith. Worship calls you to participate and cooperate with imperfect people who will disappoint you and frustrate you and bless you and lift you up, all at the same time.

As we begin a new year, would you invest yourself in the faithful gathering of this community so that worship can come alive for us?

“Then every church will know that appearances don't impress me. I x-ray every motive...” Revelation 2:23 TM

“Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.” Revelation 2:29 TM

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Rediscovering the Revelation

On Sundays and Wednesdays in January we will be engaged in our Winter Bible Study, Rediscovering the Revelation.

*Begin praying for the Spirit to be our primary teacher during this month of study.
*Read the book of Revelation in its entirety in at least two translations.
*Designate a notebook to take notes from your personal study and from our study sessions.
*Invite a friend to join you for the worship services and study sessions during January.

On Sunday mornings, we will consider the following topics:

Jan 7 “When Worship Comes to Life” Revelation 1:4-20

Jan 14 “Four Creatures You Won’t See at the Zoo” Revelation 4:1-11

Jan 21 “Preparing for the Ultimate Audit” Revelations 20:7-15

Jan 28 “7th Heaven” Revelation 21:1-8, 15-28

Top Ten Reasons 2007 Can Be a Great Year at FBC!

As we begin the New Year, we are looking forward to great experiences in Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Evangelism. Popular author and speaker, Tony Campolo, reminds us that “Your past is important but it is not nearly as important to your present as the way you see your future.” Here are my Top Ten Reasons 2007 can be a great year at FBC:

  1. The synchronized leadership of the Spirit among individuals in the church.
  2. The fields around us are “ripe for harvest.”
  3. Our growth as a multi-generational, multi-worship service, and multi-mission partner church.
  4. The emerging commitment of our members.
  5. The new friends and new members coming into our fellowship.
  6. Upgrades to our Deacon Family Ministry.
  7. Our ministers work together as a team.
  8. The eventual completion and opening of the ROC.
  9. Our congregational commitment to missions: prayers, partnerships, and projects.
  10. The prevailing sense of harmony and cooperation within our church family.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Choose Your Clothing Carefully

(The following is a synopsis of the message from Sunday, December 31, 2006:)

This year, as you make selections from among all of your clothing options, be assured that God is more concerned that believers enrobe themselves with the demeanor and disposition of Christ. In our text today from Colossians 3:12-17, as Paul encourages believers to communicate with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, Paul also includes a word of instruction about a Christian’s spiritual wardrobe. As we close out the old year and prepare for the new, let’s ask ourselves how we can put the truth of this text into action.

Clean out your closet thoroughly. The end of the year is a great time to clean out your closet. It is an especially good time to clean the emotional and spiritual skeletons out of your soul’s closet. In other words, don’t let past sins keep you from future blessings.

Choose your clothing carefully. As a child I wore a black and white plaid jacket and bowtie for a family portrait. As a junior high student, I was definitely in style when I wore red, white, and blue bell bottom slacks. And when I preached my first sermons, I alternated wearing a blue leisure suit and a brown leisure suit. Now, those styles are definitely dated.

Will you dress with style this year? One fashion web site predicts the following fashion trends in 2007:

High hosiery in multiple colors, often worn in layers, will be the trend for women.
Earth tones are “in” for men and for women.
Regal purple sweaters will be a bestseller in the men’s clothing line up.
Celtic plaid from the 80’s is making a comeback, especially among teens.
Jeans will be adorned with assorted and sometimes gaudy jewelry called “denim candy.”

Your faith should definitely influence your choice of clothing. Generally, followers of Christ should dress modestly and practice good hygiene. In Colossian, however, Paul reminds believers of a more important dress code:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12-14 TM.

Wear your faith and values consistently. Be your redeemed self 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Internalize the teachings of Jesus so that you can externalize the spirit and disposition of Jesus.

During the coming year, it is possible that others may get to know Christ by first getting to know you.